You Can Now Be Fined For Eating While Driving In South Dakota

Getting caught shoving a few French fries in your mouth while
driving in a South Dakota town could cost motorists $15 starting
in 2013.

The city of Huron with a population of nearly 13,000 passed
an ordinance Monday that not only bans texting while driving but
also cites other distracted driving activities, like eating, as
potential infractions.

As Mayor Dave McGirr put it, according to the Associated Press,
the City Commission’s ban
includes distracted driving activities like eating pizza
and reading the newspaper.

According to an article in the Huron Plainsman before the
ordinance was passed, the city’s public safety committee
proposed that distracted driving be considered a
secondary offense if the person was initially pulled over for
other traffic infractions, such as speeding or running a red
light. Texting while driving, though, the commissioners wanted to
be considered a primary infraction that would allow police to
pull them over without the another reason.

Here is part of the proposed definition for distracted driving:

“inattentive driving while operating a motor vehicle that results
in the unsafe operation of the vehicle where such operation is
caused by reading, writing, performing personal grooming,
interacting with pets or unsecured cargo, using personal
communications technologies or engaging in any other activity
which causes distractions.”

Texting or distracted driving bans would will only apply if the
vehicle is in motion, the Plainsman reported.

The ordinance goes into effect in 2013, starting with a grace
period where police will issue motorists warnings as they become
familiar with the new rules. Getting caught texting while driving
will cost $100, while other distracted driving actions could cost
$15.

Drivers in training are barred from taking on the phone while
driving as long as they have learner’s permit status as well.